Direct shipping trouble is brewing in Washington D.C. The CARE ActÂ (Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness Act), a bill introduced at the urging of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, could limit consumer choice by further tightening or even ending direct shipment of wine and other forms of alcohol.
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The bill seeks to limit the effect of the Commerce Clause - the provision in the U.S. Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. If passed, the CARE Act has the potential to drastically change the regulatory climate wineries currently operate under.
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Proponents argue the law is needed to prevent frivolous lawsuits and allow states to maintain firm control of alcohol sales and prevent alcoholism and underage drinking. Opponents argue that the bill protects the three-tier system of distribution from competition and prevents consumers from being able to buy wines and other alcoholic beverages not carried by local wholesalers.
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The CARE Act has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and a hearing is expected in June.
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To follow the bill visit: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h5034/show